New fathers could be FORCED to sign baby's birth certificate to make them take more responsibility

Fatherhood: New dads could be made to sign their child's birth certificate, even if they are estranged from the baby's mother

Fathers could be forced to sign their child’s birth certificate under legislation currently being considered by the Government.

The proposal is just one of the numbers of options being considered by the Prime Minister in a bid to bolster the role of the father in UK society.

It is thought by signing the birth certificate new fathers will feel an increased responsibility to their child.

A Downing Street spokesman told The Telegraph: 'We are committed to ensuring that Government policy is family friendly and the Prime Minister has been clear previously that more should be done to ensure the role of fathers is recognised and strengthened.'

At the moment only a mothers name has to be registered and if no man signs the certificate the father will be described as unknown.

It is estimated that 50,000 babies are born without the father’s name being placed on the certificate.

Earlier this year David Cameron likened runaway fathers to drink drivers.

The concept was initially thought of when Labour were in power after being initiated by the left of centre Institute of Public Policy Research.

Family unit: Currently 50,000 children are born in Britain every year without a father named on the birth certificate

It led to the requirement being made part of the 2009 Welfare Reform Act, which required mothers to name the father and also threatened them with a £200 fine and seven days in prison for perjury if they gave a false answer.

They said naming the father would increase responsibility and also make it easier to make sure they accepted their full obligations, including financial support.

But when the Coalition came into office it was decided against pressing with enforcement of the provision.

The Department of Education said it had 'no plans' to introduce fresh legislation, although it was looking for ways to support fathers in the 'crucial role they play in their child’s life.'